If you are here today, trying to find an answer to why a car’s ignition switch stops working, you probably already know how frustrating the situation can be. It can get even more frustrating and annoying if your car’s ignition switch stops working when you are in a hurry and have to reach someplace on time. In a nutshell, this is the most unwanted and unexpected kind of problem, but if you know why the switch isn’t working, you might be able to fix it and get things done on time.
Often when people come across such a problem, they think it’s their key that needs to be fixed, and they immediately start searching for “Car locksmith near me” to get the problem fixed. Yes, the key can be the problem, but there can be several underlying causes that explain why it’s not working when it comes to the ignition switch.
Some of the common ones are;
1-Steering Wheel Binding
The lock of the steering wheel and the ignition cylinder both are connected mechanically. If the steering wheel is turned on and if you turn off the engine, your steering wheel will be locked. You can never turn on the ignition with a locked steering wheel, so this is the very first thing you need to check if your car isn’t starting. The solution to this problem is quite common and easy. All you have to do is to turn your steering wheel back and forth until the ignition switch is free and ready to start.
2-A Worn Out Key
Just what we said earlier that in most cases, the problem isn’t with the switch but the key. A worn-out key can be a major cause of why your ignition switch won’t work. What happens is that when you insert the key and take it out thousands of times, the key starts wearing out a little every time, and then one day it just stops working. The wiser thing to do would be to call an auto locksmith and get the key fixed or replaced to fix this problem.
3-A Work Out Cylinder
If it’s not the key, it can be the cylinder. Just like your key, the ignition cylinder also starts wearing out with time. Especially if you have a very heavy keychain attached to the key, it can damage the ignition cylinder by putting stress on it. If the key is unworn and the cylinder is worn, it probably will stop working because, in order for the ignition switch to start, both the key and the cylinder should be worn together. The solution to this problem is again a locksmith who can help fix the cylinder quickly.
4-Fault In The Ignition Switch
The ignition switch and the cylinder are connected through a lever or a shaft. In the switch, several different important electrical components are connected for the car to start. If even one of the components inside the ignition switch is worn out, it can lead to ignition switch failure, and it can then shut down the entire engine, which in some cases is a little dangerous. The solution here is to first check the fuses and circuits and if that’s not the problem, then just replace the entire ignition switch.
5-An Overly Hot Ignition Switch
If your car’s ignition switch is extremely hot, there can be some underlying problem with the electrical wires connected inside. Overheated wires are dangerous, and they can even lead to the melting of the terminals’ insulation base. When this happens, your car will start jerking a lot, and it won’t start no matter how many times you try to turn the ignition on.
These are some common causes that explain why you have a bad ignition switch. The solutions given are quite simple, but if something is beyond your knowledge, then the best thing to do is to call a professional and let him fix the switch for you.
